The IELTS test is taken by many students as well as working professionals in order to prove their English language skills. It along with the TOEFL and the PTE is one of the most popular tests for the purpose of showcasing one’s ability to think, analyze, read, comprehend, listen and speak in the language. The IELTS test scores are accepted as a standard test for English language proficiency by universities worldwide for admissions purpose. The test scores are mandatory requirements for gaining permanent residence to countries like Canada and Australia and writing the test and submitting the scores forms an important part of the application process.
As such, the test is highly competitive with thousands of students attempting it each year. The required bands to make the grade are set high by the universities and many students find it difficult to reach the band. However a few students manage to break out of mediocrity and score in the top three bands. How do they manage to achieve this? In the style of the famous book by Stephen Covey we analyzed the habits of students who outperformed their peers in the IELTS test and pared them down to these seven most prevailing habits
Seven Habits to Cultivate For IELTS Test Success
The seven habits of students who scored the highest in the IELTS test are as follows
1. Planning
Students who managed to score high in their very first attempt at the IELTS test were the ones who planned for success. They not only had a concrete plan in place in which they accounted for various factors ,such as how many hours a week they would devote to the IELTS test preparation, the time they would study, which section they would study at what time and so on, they also implemented the plan diligently
2. Research
Students who were successful in the IELTS did a lot of research beforehand of the types of questions that were likely to be asked, the skills that would be required for success in the test. Students also researched the IELTS test papers over more than five years, to understand the pattern of the questions that were asked as well as any changes over the years. This gave the students a clear picture about what to expect on test day and thus improved their odds of success
3. Motivation
A student who is likely to be successfully in any test or competitive exam is the one who is motivated to succeed. Without the proper motivation it is extremely difficult to find success. In the IELTS test too, students who managed to be motivated throughout their preparation, scored much higher than students who were not motivated
4. Comprehension
Students who took the trouble to comprehend or understand the questions and the exercises during the practice sessions, on an average performed much better and scored in the top three bands of the IELTS test. On the other hand students who crammed for the test did not perform as well
5. Diligence
One of the most important traits and habits that a student can possess is diligence and consistency. Indeed it is famously said, that motivation is what gets you started, but diligence is what keeps you going. Students who were diligent in their preparation scored higher on their IELTS test
6. Self-assessment
Students who cultivated a habit of self-assessment and formed a continuous and consistent understanding of their strengths and weakness, tended to score better than their peers on the IELTS. The self-assessment helped students to identify and improve upon their weak areas, while at the same time upgrading their areas of strength
7. Continuous learning
Students who had a habit of continuing their learning of the English language, beyond their classes or practice sessions, scored higher on the IELTS. These students extended their learning by reading new books in the language as well as watching international programs in the English language, thereby extending their interest and understanding of the language.
